“The Lord will work out his plans for my life-for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don't abandon me, for you made me.” -Psalm 138:8 (NLT)
There was a time in my life when I believed I was fulfilling my purpose in life by playing ball. I had been offered a full athletic scholarship to play college baseball, and it seemed like I was chasing the dream of a lifetime. All those years of disciplined practice and long hours on the field had finally paid off.
I had an incredible opportunity before me, but something was still gnawing at the edges of my heart. I began to grow discontent with baseball. I wondered if I was created for a bigger purpose, and I started asking myself questions. What did I really want to do with my life? Could I make a difference playing baseball?
I was taught to believe that discontentment is a bad thing and that we should be happy with what we have and where we are in life through every season. Yet, I quickly learned God sometimes uses discontentment to propel us into our next purpose.
A wise pastor once told me, “Your life's purpose is a journey, not a destination. It's a process that includes preparation, patience, and perseverance.” No truer words have been spoken.
Deep down, I wanted to follow my heart and fulfill God's growing call to full-time ministry, but the idea of possibly wasting my athletic abilities confused me, especially after being handed a scholarship on a silver platter. It was my best friend who reminded me that God wouldn't waste any of the experiences in my life. If my experiences on the field seemed unrelated to the current call of God, then He would find a way to weave them into His new purpose for my life.
My friend was right. God indeed is the master planner.
I took a leap of faith and pursued full-time ministry. In my second year of youth ministry, the local high school asked me to coach their baseball team. It opened doors to students in ways that I couldn't have planned on my own. God used my former gifts and experiences to fulfill His greater purpose for my life. He'll do the same for you. If You're obedient to where He leads, He'll weave all of your experiences together into a beautiful tapestry.
Reflect and Respond:
- Have you recently felt discontent with your current vocation or area of service? Pray and ask God if this discontentment is coming from Him.
- Where do you see God using your previous experiences in your current season?
